Summary

Many people with spinal cord injury are no longer able to walk and must use wheelchairs for
mobility. These individuals experience greater rates of depression and lower quality of
life. Many of these individuals express a strong desire to walk again, and report many
psychosocial benefits to being eye to eye with peers in social interactions. Additionally,
wheelchairs allow only limited community access, creating an additional obstacle to seeking
out meaningful social roles in the community. Currently, there is new technology called
robotic exoskeletons that would allow people with spinal cord injury to walk. These robotic
exoskeletons also allow for curb, ramp, and stair negotiation, which are critical to
community access. Current research has examined training with robotic exoskeletons indoors
over level surfaces in clinical settings. This study will examine the potential for everyday
use, including ramps, stairs, curbs and indoor and outdoor use.